Middle School Teacher Suspended After Administrators Found Out She Instructed Pole Dancing Classes On The Side

This is the subject of a lot of controversy.

Kandice Mason is a widowed mother of two. She previously worked at Hoke County Schools in Raeford, North Carolina. I say previously, because administrators suspended her after finding out about her other side hustle: She instructed pole dancing classes on the side for extra money.

From the Daily Mail:

Mason said the sudden suspension came after horrified members of the school district were made aware of social media videos she posted which featured herself sporting skimpy outfits while making rounds on a pole.

‘When I was suspended, I was humiliated… the superintendent, principal and another employee were in a room and berated me for my pole dancing video,’ she said.

Mason, who has two daughters, ages six and seven, was still in the orientation process at her new job and had excellent reviews from parents and students before she received the news about her suspension.

‘I built great rapport with the parents and their children… I worked specifically with babies and they adored me,’ she told DailyMail.com

She said she started pole dancing a few years before she lost her husband. He fully supported her hobby and even bought her a pole for her birthday.

‘He seen how passionate I was about it, and got me (a pole) for my birthday… it wasn’t till I got a lot better that I purchased a new one that was meant to handle weight and pole tricks.’

She said the seductive hobby has helped her stay fit, reduce anxiety and sleeplessness and provide financial support for her two daughters.

She continued: “I pole dance every night… at one point I was juggling work, school and being a mom. The only outlet and time I had for myself was at night. Normally, I’d put my girls in the bed by 8 every night and would dance a couple hours.”

“It has been really good for me… when before, I’d be up staring at walls worrying about day-to-day stuff,” she added.

I think it’s pretty messed up that school administrators flipped out on her. Pole dancing would never be my “thing,” but I used to work at a gym that offered pole dancing classes. I was actually surprised by the number of moms who participated. (I would know– I worked in the daycare.)

Because of all this, Mason set up a GoFundMe page for herself. She wrote:

Hi, I’m Kandice Mason.

The pole dancing teacher that was recently suspended with pay.

Well, I have never had to do one of these things for myself, so excuse me if it sounds all over the place. I wasn’t even sure about what to put for the end goal amount.

Those of you who don’t know, I’m a teacher. I have three degrees. I am very smart, and I just happen to love pole dancing… It is a passion I do not want to have to give up. I wanted to make a difference in children’s lives as well, but maybe that might not actually be the plan for me. I hate asking for money… but I do know realistically it is going to be hard for me to find enough for a lawyer, my mortgage, and my girls if I don’t think of something quick.

Whatever your willing to help with would make me happy. If you have a job opportunity I’d be perfect for, I’d be happy. I truly am phenomenal with kids. Especially babies. I don’t mind trying to help out with babysitting, tutoring, pole tutorials etc. okay, see? This is starting to sound like I just need a few job referrals/ offers… lol

I want you all to know that at my last position someone also had a problem I pole danced. Instead of firing me, I was treated very horrible and was unable to move up at the establishment despite having no write ups and building very good rapport with parents. I worked hard to see every child and baby that crossed my path was happy and taken care of. I have a big heart. I’m always planning and trying to find ways to make the most out of what I’ve got. Maybe I can use the funds to start a home studio for women. Thank you all in advance for thinking and caring about me. Im a single mom and the girls father has past away, so it truly is all on me. I would appreciate any help.

What do you guys think? Would you have a problem with her teaching in a school (not pole dancing, obvi)? Big deal or nah?

h/t Daily Mail